Birmingham, aka England’s ‘second city’, is an amazing place. With more canals than Venice and acting as the home of Cadbury’s and Gladiators, anyone who grew up here has a fierce pride about their hometown.

So don’t even try to make a joke about the accent.

1. Accent struggles

If you had a penny for every time someone made a comment about your supposed accent when you were growing up, you would probably have enough money to put down a deposit on a flat in Central London.

2. Brum = childhood hero

Your heart swelled with pride when you watched the adventures of legendary car Brum and recognised all of the places in your beloved Birmingham.

Who doesn’t love Brum? (Picture: Brum TX:BBC TWO)

3. Sealife Centre joy

Along with Brum this was another childhood staple, and when your parents announced you were making a trip you would totally lose your mind.

4. Cadbury World = chocolate heaven

You fell into one of two camps when it came to Cadbury World. You either never visited, or if you had, then you definitely vomited everywhere after one too many free chocolate samples. No regrets.

NOM NOM NOM (Picture: PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)

5. Watching Gladiators

Gladiators was recorded in Birmingham, and you spent your childhood hoping that you would see Wolf out and about so you could beat him up and gain legendary status at school. It never happened.

6. Going to town

When you went ‘up town’ on the weekend you felt like you were trekking all the way to Mordor, and when you were finally allowed to go by yourself you knew that you had entered adulthood.

7. The joy of Bullring

Every weekend during the age of 13-16 was spent loitering around Bullring, and running to Krispy Kreme whenever the red light came on so you could claim your free donut. You bargain hunter, you.

Complimentary donuts forever (Picture: tupungato)

8. Visiting Oasis Market

You also spent your teenage years here because it was the only place where you could channel your teenage angst. It was also the place where you probably got a few piercings. You rebel, you.

9. Snobs = rite of passage

There was no better way to celebrate turning 18 than going to Snobs and moshing to your heart’s content. Even though you’d probably been sneaking in since you were 16.

10. Raving at Custard Factory

When you wanted to feel a bit hipster-ish, before being a hipster became a fashionable thing, you would head to Custard Factory. Your greatest fear was that you would fall in the pool.

Custard Factory fun. (Picture: Getty Images)

11. Geographical confusion

When the North/South divide was discussed you couldn’t really get involved. Also you could never really spot Birmingham on the national weather forecast. FYI we’re in the middle and we really need to know the weather tomorrow too.

12. Going on safari

You had the joy of going on safari every year at the West Midlands Safari Park. Which other city can brag about having a safari park? Exactly.